Yordan wins 2nd title at Thunderdome II: Full Report

By Brett Bonetti at Ringside
Photos by Tony Tolj

“Indonesian Thunder” Daud Cino Yordan (31-3, 23 KOs) claimed the vacant IBO World Lightweight Title with a hard fought unanimous decision victory over Argentinian Daniel “Tatu” Brizuela (25-2-2, 8 KOs) in the Main Event of Dragon Fire Promotions “Thuderdome II” at Metro City Perth, Australia tonight. Yordan who moved up two weight divisions tonight from Featherweight was in control for the first 6 rounds of the fight as he stalked Brizuela and cut off the ring nicely. Brizuela did well defensively at times as he darted around the ring and tried to counter attack off the ropes, but it was Yordan landing the harder and cleaner punches to the head and body. Following the end of Round 6, Yordan looked to be heading towards an easy points victory, however Brizuela’s best round of the fight came in round 7 when the Argentinian came out more aggressively and opened up a nasty cut over Yordans’s right eye with a great left hook when exchanging punches. Brizuela sensed this was his opportunity to get back in the fight and came out again in Round 8 the busier of the pair as it seemed the cut over the right eye was bothering Yordan. Experienced cutman Angelo Hyder did a great job with Yordan’s right eye. Yordan weathered the Brizuela storm and regained control for the last 3 rounds of the title fight.

Scores after 12 rounds were 117-111, 115-113 and 116-112 for the new IBO World Lightweight Champion, Daud Cino Yordan. Yordan who lost IBO World Featherweight Title to Simpiwe Vetyeka (25-2 15 KOs) in April this year looked much more comfortable at Lightweight. Interestingly, Team Brizuela believed they won the fight by 2 rounds, but this was simply not the case. Yordan made history and becomes the first Indonesian two weight division champion at Featherweight & Lightweight respectively.

In the Co-Main Event Jason “Nugget” Cooper (7-1-1, 3 KOs) claimed IBO Asia Pacific Super Bantamweight title with a unanimous points victory over Rasmanudin (17-5-2). Rasmanudin’s was in control for the first three rounds as he used his speed and got in close, causing cuts over both of Cooper’s eyes. In between rounds Cooper grimaced as his corner worked on the cuts. Cooper was flirting with danger as he allowed Rasmanudin in close and in range of his dangerous right hand. In round 4 Cooper landed 3 good body shots which slowed down Rasmanudin. Cooper regained control in rounds 8, 9 and 10 and deserved his unanimous points victory. This defeat leaves Rasmanudin still looking for his first victory outside of Indonesia.

Friendship was put aside tonight, as ‘mates’ Jeremy “War Machine” Van Diemen (4-0-2, 3 KOs) and fellow undefeated West Australian Andrew “Mean Machine” Green (10-0-1, 5 KOs) battled to a split decision draw for the vacant Western Australian State Light Heavyweight Title. Van Diemen, as expected came out in round 1 very aggressive and landed power shots as he looked for the early knockout. Green moved around the ring looking to counter. Green reportedly broke his right hand in round 2 as Van Diemen kept up his furious pace as blood started coming out of the nose of Green. Green’s trainer Dave Hassan told Green at the end of Round 3 that Van Diemen would slow down, as Green took this opportunity to get back into the fight. Green then caught Van Diemen on the counter and bloodied Van Diemen’s nose. But credit to the conditioning of Van Diemen who had plenty left in the tank compared to his last fight with Xavier “X-Man” Lucas. After 10 frantic rounds it looked like Van Diemen had done enough to claim a point’s victory, however the judges scored the bout 78-74 Van Diemen, 77-75 Green and an even 76-76. Fightnews scored the bout 78-74 for Van Diemen.

Mixed Martial Arts star Xavier “X Man” Lucas (6-1-1, 4 KOs) who appeared on the UFC Ultimate Fighter Series “The Smashes” felt Van Diemen won the fight against Green and took the opportunity to step into the ring after the fight and challenge Van Diemen to a rematch. Lucas and Van Dieman battled to a controversial draw in March this year.

Also on the Thunderdome II card, Luke “Razor” Sharp (6-0-2) put on the best performance of his career by defeating the experienced “Baby” Peter Mitrevski Jr. (23- 9-1, 11 KOs) and claimed the IBO Asia Pacific Middleweight title. Sharp was in control from the outset and scored frequently with good speed and power. Mitrevski covered up well a times, but too many Sharp shots were getting through. It seemed like Mitrevski wanted to get past the first 3 rounds and then aim to take control of the fight, but Sharp, who came in the best condition of his career, showed no signs of slowing down and displayed more patience in the ring compared to his fights with Jeremy Allen. Mitrevski Jr, trained by Legendary Trainer Johnny Lewis was in the ring for the first time since December 2010. Mitrevski Jr was shot twice in both legs during an altercation in a car repair workshop in February 2011. In the end, scores were 99-91, 99-91 and 100-90 all for Luke Sharp.